Patients at Cedars and Linden wards at Bloxwich Hospital learned about the therapeutic effects of dancing this Mental Health Awareness Week.
Allied health professionals and ward staff carried out Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) with patients to get them moving in a fun way, to boost their mental wellbeing.
DMT is the psychotherapeutic use of movement which explores the link between body and mind and the healing power of dance. It has a significant effect in reducing psychological conditions such as anxiety and depression and can also boost quality of life, psychomotor skills and cognitive skills.
During Mental Health Awareness Week, which this year promoted the benefit of physical activity for mental wellbeing, staff led DMT sessions for patients. The sessions included warm-ups, low to moderate intensity exercises and cool downs, with the movements adapted to the physical needs of each person.
The music for the dances also included reminiscence therapy as it reminded the patients of the past which helped to stimulated mental activity and stimulate conversations from memories.
The group also got and about by taking part in a walking group, to chat about the environment, flowers in the gardens and memories from the past.
Well done to all the staff at Bloxwich who took part to engage patients with Mental Health Awareness Week!